Iconic Leicester staircase 'at risk'

In November, Historic England warned that a grand staircase in Leicester city centre was 'at risk' and parts of the structure were deteriorating.

Known locally as the Rialto Bridge, the Grade-II listed staircase sits outside the Corn Exchange in Market Place and is one of 21 sites added to the organisation's At Risk Register in 2024. The register provides an annual snapshot of the health of historical buildings and sites in England to ensure they are preserved for the future.

Leicester City Council, which owns the building, said it had already commissioned specialist surveyors to help establish what work will be needed to preserve it and bring it back into use.

Justin Webber, Historic Environment team leader for Leicester City Council, spoke to BBC Leicester's Ady Dayman.

(Story originally published November 2024)